One of the things I really enjoy in Japan is small trips in remote locations with a stay in a ryokan - a traditionnal japanese hotel with onsen (hot spring)... We therefore went 2 days in Echigo Yusawa, which is conveniently linked to Tokyo by shinkansan - the bullet train.

The ryokan was great, with a huge tatami room, another smaller room with a table, and a large bathroom - of course, we prefered to use the private onsen... Food is served in the room, and we had a great and excellent dinner... but for the breakfast (natto, raw egg, fish, jelly fish, tofu, ume and so one), I next time will take some toasts with me ;)

Echigo Yusawa is located in the Japanese Alps, on the western part of Japan. Because of its location, it receives a lot of snow, even in early November when we went there... See the scenary from the room the first, and the second day...

A cable car conveniently take skiers to the top of the ski fields. Although they were closed at that time of the year - I still wonder why - we could go there for a walk... in the snow!